Oleanane type saponins from the stems of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao

Progress on metabolites of Astragalus medicinal plants and a new factor affecting their formation: Biotransformation of endophytic fungi

It is generally believed that the main influencing factors of plant metabolism are genetic and environmental factors. However, the transformation and catalysis of metabolic intermediates by endophytic fungi have become a new factor and resource attracting attention in recent years. There are over 2000 precious plant species in the Astragalus genus. In the past decade, at least 303 high-value metabolites have been isolated from the Astragalus medicinal plants, including 124 saponins, 150 flavonoids, two alkaloids, six sterols, and over 20 other types of compounds. These medicinal plants contain abundant endophytic fungi with unique functions, and nearly 600 endophytic fungi with known identity have been detected, but only about 35 strains belonging to 13 genera have been isolated. Among them, at least four strains affiliated to Penicillium roseopurpureum, Alternaria eureka, Neosartorya hiratsukae, and Camarosporium laburnicola have demonstrated the ability to biotransform four saponin compounds from the Astragalus genus, resulting in the production of 66 new compounds, which have significantly enhanced our understanding of the formation of metabolites in plants of the Astragalus genus. They provide a scientific basis for improving the cultivation quality of Astragalus plants through the modification of dominant fungal endophytes or reshaping the endophytic fungal community. Additionally, they open up new avenues for the discovery of specialized, green, efficient, and sustainable biotransformation pathways for complex pharmaceutical intermediates.

Edible traditional Chinese medicines improve type 2 diabetes by modulating gut microbiotal metabolites

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder with intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Despite the availability of various oral medications for controlling the condition, reports of poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes persist, possibly involving unknown pathogenic mechanisms. In recent years, the gut microbiota have emerged as a highly promising target for T2DM treatment, with the metabolites produced by gut microbiota serving as crucial intermediaries connecting gut microbiota and strongly related to T2DM. Increasingly, traditional Chinese medicine is being considered to target the gut microbiota for T2DM treatment, and many of them are edible. In studies conducted on animal models, edible traditional Chinese medicine have been shown to primarily alter three significant gut microbiotal metabolites: short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and branched-chain amino acids. These metabolites play crucial roles in alleviating T2DM by improving glucose metabolism and reducing inflammation. This review primarily summarizes twelve edible traditional Chinese medicines that improve T2DM by modulating the aforementioned three gut microbiotal metabolites, along with potential underlying molecular mechanisms, and also incorporation of edible traditional Chinese medicines into the diets of T2DM patients and combined use with probiotics for treating T2DM are discussed.

Astraoleanosides E-P, oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins from the aerial parts of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge and their β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity

Historically, Astragalus membranaceus Bunge has been used as a beneficial medicinal plant, particularly in the Asian traditional medical systems, for the treatment of various human diseases such as stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and respiratory issues associated with phlegm. In this study, a phytochemical characterization of the aerial parts of A. membranaceusled to the isolation of 29 oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, including 11 new compounds named astraoleanosides E-P (6-9, 13, 14, 18-22), as well as 18 known ones. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Among them, astraoleanoside H (9) and cloversaponin III (15) demonstrated the most potent β-glucuronidase inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of 21.20 ± 0.75 and 9.05 ± 0.47 µM, respectively, compared to the positive control d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC50 = 20.62 ± 1.61 µM). Enzyme kinetics studies were then conducted to investigate the type of inhibition exhibited by these active compounds. In addition, the binding mechanism, key interactions, binding stability, and dynamic behavior of protein-ligand complexes were investigated through in silico approaches, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. These findings highlight the promising potential of triterpenoid saponins from A. membranaceus as lead compounds for β-glucuronidase inhibitors, offering new possibilities for the development of therapeutic agents targeting various diseases where β-glucuronidase plays a crucial role.

Astragali Radix: comprehensive review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical application

Astragali Radix (A. Radix) is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., belonging to the family Leguminosae, which is mainly distributed in China. A. Radix has been consumed as a tonic in China for more than 2000 years because of its medicinal effects of invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi. Currently, more than 400 natural compounds have been isolated and identified from A. Radix, mainly including saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and others. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that A. Radix has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-atherosclerotic, cardioprotective, anti-hypertensive, and anti-aging effects. It has been clinically used in the treatment of tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular complications associated with diabetes with few side effects and high safety. This paper reviewed the progress of research on its chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, clinical applications, developing applications, and toxicology, which provides a basis for the better development and utilization of A. Radix.

A review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of the Astragalus memeranaceus

Astragali Radix (Huangqi) is mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa and rarely in North America and Oceania. It has long been used as an ethnomedicine in the Russian Federation, Mongolia, Korea, Kazakhstan, and China. It was first recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing and includes the effects of reinforcing healthy qi, dispelling pathogenic factors, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, activating blood circulation, and dredging collaterals. This review systematically summarizes the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, and toxicology of Astragalus to explore the potential of Huangqi and expand its applications. Data were obtained from databases such as PubMed, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, Baidu Scholar, and Google Scholar. The collected material also includes classic works of Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and PhD and Master's theses. The pharmacological effects of the isoflavone fraction in Huangqi have been studied extensively; The pharmacological effects of Huangqi isoflavone are mainly reflected in its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-diabetic properties and its ability to treat several related diseases. Additionally, the medicinal uses, chemical composition, pharmacological activity, toxicology, and quality control of Huangqi require further elucidation. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of Astragalus to assist future innovative research and to identify and develop new drugs involving Huangqi.

Astramalabaricosides A-T, Highly Oxygenated Malabaricane Triterpenoids with Migratory Inhibitory Activity from Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus

Twenty new malabaricane triterpenoids, astramalabaricosides A-T (1-20), were isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (Astragali Radix). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, and the use of the circular dichroism exciton chirality method, quantum chemical calculations, and chemical methods. Malabaricane triterpenoids, an unusual group with the 6-6-5-tricyclic core, are distributed in plants (e.g., Simaroubaceae, Polypodiaceae, and Fabaceae), a marine sponge, and fungi, and their number obtained to date is limited. Compounds 1-20 were characterized as glycosides with a highly oxygenated side chain, and 13-20 were the first cyclic carbonate derivatives among the malabaricane triterpenoids. The stereocluster formed from the continuous hydroxylated chiral carbons in each highly oxygenated side chain and the 6-6-5-tricyclic core system were entirely segregated, and the independent identification of their stereoconfigurations required considerable effort. The migratory inhibitory and antiproliferative activities of 1-20 were evaluated by wound-healing and cell-viability assays, respectively. Most compounds showed significant migratory inhibitory activity, and a preliminary structure-activity relationship was developed. Malabaricane triterpenoids are being reported in the genus Astragalus for the first time.

Astragalus species: Phytochemistry, biological actions and molecular mechanisms underlying their potential neuroprotective effects on neurological diseases

Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illnesses are prevalent and life-threatening disorders characterized by a wide range of clinical syndromes and comorbidities, all of which have complex origins and share common molecular pathomechanisms. Although the pathophysiology of neurological illnesses is not completely understood, researchers have discovered that several ion channels and signalling pathways may have played a role in disease pathogenesis. Active substances from Astragalus sp. are being employed for nutrition, and their usefulness in the treatment of neurological illnesses is receiving more attention. Because their extracts and active components exert different pharmacological effects on a variety of ailments, they have a long history of usage as a cure for various diseases. This review summarizes the research work on Astragalus and their biologically active constituents as potential candidates for the protection against and treatment of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders to show the potential efficacy of Astragalus sp. and its active ingredients in treating some neurological diseases. Simultaneously, the chemical structures of these active compounds, their sources, biological properties, and mechanisms are also listed. In ethnopharmacological applications, Astragalus membranaceus and spinosus have been studied as traditional medicines worldwide. The chemical constituents of Astragalus species mainly comprise terpenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. The extracts and phytochemical compounds of Astragalus species exhibit various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitumor, anticonvulsive, immunomodulatory, and other activities. Based on the current literature, we conclude that Astragalus is a promising dietary herb with multiple potential signal modulating applications that mainly include the modulation of neurotransmitters and receptors, anti-inflammatory activities, inhibition of amyloid aggregation, induction of myelin sheath repair and neurogenesis, as well as activation of the signalling pathways relevant to neurological diseases.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Qi-Invigorating Effects in Traditional Medicine: Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Unique Functions of Qi-Invigorating Herb Group

Qi-invigorating herbs (QIHs) are a group of herbs that invigorate Qi, the most vital force for maintaining the physiological functions of the human body in traditional medicine. However, the mechanism underlying the Qi-invigorating effects remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the unique mechanisms of QIHs based on unique compounds, using a network pharmacology approach. QIHs and their compounds were identified using existing literature and the TCMSP database, respectively. Subsequently, a method was proposed to screen for unique compounds that are common in QIHs but rare in other traditional herbs. Unique compounds’ targets were predicted using the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Finally, enriched GO and KEGG pathways were obtained using DAVID to uncover the biomolecular functions and mechanisms. Thirteen unique compounds, mainly including amino acids and vitamins that participate in energy metabolism and improve Qi deficiency syndrome, were identified among the eight QIHs. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that these compounds commonly participate in neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction and the metabolism of amino acids, and are related to the components of mitochondria and neuronal cells. Our results appropriately reflect the characteristics of traditional Qi-invigorating effects; therefore, this study facilitates the scientific interpretation of Qi functions and provides evidence regarding the treatment effectiveness of QIHs.

Integrative traditional Korean medicine treatment for children with idiopathic short stature: A STROBE-compliant case series

Integrative traditional Korean medicine (TKM) treatment including herbal medicine and acupuncture has been used frequently by parents in South Korea for the treatment of children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). We aimed to report the TKM treatments currently being used for children with ISS and explore their therapeutic effects. The medical records of children who met the criteria for ISS and who had been treated with TKM for the management of ISS were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 116 patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 8.07 [3.08] years; 52.6% girls) enrolled in the study. Their mean height percentile was 1.45 and body mass index was 16.19 kg/m2. During the study period of 5 years, participants visited the outpatient clinic an average of 2.93 times; the mean number of days to the next visit was 101 days. All patients received herbal medicine treatment, and the formulation was mainly decoction type. Additional treatments including ear acupuncture and moxibustion were also used. After treatment with TKM, the height percentile and standard deviation scores increased in both girls and boys (P < .001 and P < .01, respectively). Additionally, the predicted adult height, estimated based on bone age, increased in girls (P < .05). This study provided preliminary data for future research in TKM use in children with ISS.

Phytochemistry and cardiovascular protective effects of Huang-Qi (Astragali Radix)

Huang-Qi (Astragali Radix) is an herbal tonic widely used in China and many other countries. It is derived from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongholicus and shows potent cardiovascular protective effects. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed 189 small molecules isolated from the two Astragalus species and discussed the interspecies chemical differences. Moreover, we summarized the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of Huang-Qi and its major bioactive compounds for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review covers 171 references published between February 1983 and March 2020.

Method for rapidly discovering active components in Yupingfeng granules by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS

Yupingfeng granules (YPFG) were isolated from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation composed of three herbs (Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, and Saposhnikoviae Radix). This formulation is used in TCM to tonify qi, and it can help strengthen exterior and reduce sweating. Nevertheless, the active components of YPFG remain unclear. In this study, the chemical constituents of YPFG were systematically characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization/ quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS). Fifty-eight compounds, namely, 20 flavonoids, 19 saponins, nine organic acids, four volatile coumarins, three lactones, one alkaloid, and two other components, were identified. In addition, the constituents of YPFG with the potential for in vivo bioactivities following oral administration were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Thirteen compounds, namely, 11 flavonoid-related and 2 saponin-related components, were detected in rat plasma. After enriching flavonoids and saponins in YPFG by extraction, the extracts and YPFG were administrated to immunosuppressed rats, respectively. Plasma samples were analyzed by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS, and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that the extracts had similar effects to YPFG. This method could discover active ingredients in YPFG quickly and provide a scientific basis for quality control and mechanism research.

NMR and MS data for novel bioactive constituents from Pugionium cornutum L. Gaertn

The data presented in this article are associated with the research article entitled “Bioactive Constituents Study of Pugionium cornutum L. Gaertn on Intestinal Motility” [1]. The aim of this data was to provide the 1D, 2D NMR and MS spectrum of novel bioactive compounds from P. cornutum.

Phytochemistry and Comprehensive Chemical Profiling Study of Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids in the Aerial Parts of Allium Mongolicum Regel and Their Intestinal Motility Evaluation

To clarify whether flavonoids and phenols in Allium mongolicum Regel have the effect of improving gastrointestinal function and analyze its quality, this study was designed to isolate and identify them from the aerial parts of A. mongolicum by using various chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, a bioassay on motility of mouse isolated intestine tissue, as well as qualitative analysis using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. As a result, 31 flavonoids and phenolic acids were obtained and identified, including six new flavonoid glycosides, mongoflavonosides A₁ (1), A₂ (2), A₃ (3), A₄ (4), B₁ (5), B₂ (6), and four new phenolic acid glycosides, mongophenosides A₁ (7), A₂ (8), A₃ (9), B (10). Among them, eleven flavonoids and three phenolic acids showed significant increase in the height of mouse small intestinal muscle. It was a first systematic bioactive constituents’ study for A. mongolicum on gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, according to the retention time (t_R) and the exact mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), thirty-one compounds were unambiguously identified by comparing to the standard references by using LC-MS. Then, on the basis of generalized rules of MS/MS fragmentation pattern, chromatographic behaviors, as well as biosynthetic laws of the 31 isolates, five flavonoid glycosides and one phenolic acid glycoside were tentatively speculated. On the basis of the study, a fast analysis method for flavonoids and phenolic acids in A. mongolicum was established.

Bioactive constituents study of Pugionium cornutum L. Gaertn on intestinal motility

Thirty-one compounds were obtained and identified from the dried roots of Mongolian medicinal and edible plant, Pugionium cornutum L. Gaertn. Eight of them were new ones, and named as pugcornols A (1), B (2), C (3), and D (4), pugcornosides A (5), B (6), C (7), and D (8), respectively. Among them, 1-4 were rare naturally occurring thiohydantoin derivatives. Meanwhile, all the isolates were determined for their activities on isolated mice jejunum contraction, and ten of them increased height of the spontaneous contractions. Moreover, we partly clarified the mechanism of 5-(methylsulfinyl)-pentanenitrile (9), a characteristic compound in P. cornutum by using different kinds of inhibitor.

A rapid method for sensitive profiling of bioactive triterpene and flavonoid from Astragalus mongholicus and Astragalus membranaceus by ultra-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

Astragalus is one of the most popular Chinese herbal. Control of Astragalus quantity is most important, since that various varieties and ages largely affect bioactive metabolites and different pharmacological effects. Astragalus mongholicus and Astragalus membranaceus are both major sources of Astragalus according to the provisions in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Thus, a sensitive and rapid UPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of l-Phenylalanine, Isoliquiritigenin, Liquiritigenin, Daidzein, Formononetin, Ononin, Calycosin, Calycosin-7-glucoside, Cycloastragenol, Astragaloside I, Astragaloside II, Astragaloside III and Astragaloside IV was established in this study. The detection was accomplished by MRM scanning in the positive ionization mode. Calibration curves offered linear ranges with r² > 0.999. The method was successfully validated for the linearity, intra-day and inter day precisions, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and stability. Then this method was successfully applied to detect the contents of 13 target flavonoids and triterpenoids metabolites in different organs and ages of A. mongholicus and A. membranaceus. Significant organs-, ages- and varieties- specificity of the 13 target metabolites were observed and discussed. The results provided basis and support for further exploration of the distribution of bioactive metabolites, namely flavonoids and triterpenoids, in different organs and ages of two Astragalus varieties. This method should be applicable to various Astragalus matrices for the quantitative analysis of the target flavonoids and triterpenoids.

Rapid characterization of chemical constituents and metabolites of Qi-Jing-Sheng-Bai granule by using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Qi-Jing-Sheng-Bai granule is an effective traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been widely used for the treatment of leukopenia post radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, its chemical constituents were still unclear, which hindered interpreting bioactive constituents and studying integrative mechanisms. In this study, we developed a three-step strategy to characterize the chemical constituents and metabolites of Qi-Jing-Sheng-Bai by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. As a result, a total of 143 compounds, including 56 flavonoids, 51 saponins, and 36 other compounds, of which contained six pairs of isomers, were tentatively identified and characterized via reference standards and by comparing mass spectrometry data with literature. After oral administration of 15 g/kg Qi-Jing-Sheng-Bai, a number of 42 compounds including 24 prototype compounds and 18 metabolites have been detected in the serum of rats. This work serves as the first reference for Qi-Jing-Sheng-Bai chemical components and metabolites. Moreover, it provided a rapid and valid analytical strategy for characterization of the chemical compounds and metabolites of traditional Chinese medicine formula.

Genome-Wide Transcriptional Excavation of Dipsacus asperoides Unmasked both Cryptic Asperosaponin Biosynthetic Genes and SSR Markers

BACKGROUND

Dipsacus asperoides is a traditional Chinese medicinal crop. The root is generally used as a medicine and is frequently prescribed by Chinese doctors for the treatment of back pain, limb paralysis, flutter trauma, tendon injuries, and fractures. With the rapid development of bioinformatics, research has been focused on this species at the gene or molecular level. For purpose of fleshing out genome information about D. asperoides, in this paper we conducted transcriptome analysis of this species.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

To date, many genes encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins in D.asperoides have not been elucidated. Illumina paired-end sequencing was employed to probe D. asperoides's various enzymes associated with the relevant mesostate. A total of 30, 832,805 clean reads and de novo spliced 43,243 unigenes were obtained. Of all unigenes, only 8.27% (3578) were successfully annotated in total of seven public databases: Nr, Nt, Swiss-Prot, GO, KOG, KEGG, and Pfam, which might be attributed to the poor studies on D. asperoides. The candidate genes encoding enzymes involved in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis were identified and experimentally verified by reverse transcription qPCR, encompassing nine cytochrome P450s and 17 UDP-glucosyltransferases. Specifically, unearthly putative genes involved in the glycosylation of hederagenin were acquired. Simultaneously, 4490 SSRs from 43,243 examined sequences were determined via bioinformatics analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the first report on the use of the Illumina sequence platform on this crop at the transcriptome level. Our findings of candidate genes encoding enzymes involved in Dipsacus saponin VI biosynthes is provide novel information in efforts to further understand the triterpenoid metabolic pathway on this species. The initial genetics resources in this study will contribute significantly to the genetic breeding program of D. asperoides, and are beneficial for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Aromatic Constituents from the Stems of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. Mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao

Four new aromatic constituents, astraflavonoids A (1), B (2), C (3), and astramemoside A (4), along with sixteen known ones 5-20 were obtained from the stems of A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Among the known isolates, 14 was obtained from the Astragalus genus for the first time, while 7-12, 18-20 were isolated from the species for the first time. The effects of the compounds obtained from the plant on glucose consumption were analyzed in differentiated L6 myotubes in vitro, whereby compounds 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15 and 18 displayed significant promoting effects on glucose consumption in L6 myotubes. Among them, the activities of 1, 2 and 7 were comparable to that of insulin, which suggested that these compounds may be involved in glucose metabolism and transport.